Finalists
Brooklyn from Folio
Fit For A King from GBCC
Luxe from Hotchpotch
Paloma Blue from Belly Button Designs
Ralph from Stop the Clock Design

Paper Kisses from Janie Wilson won Best Handmade or Hand-finished Range

Finalists
The Adventure Collection from Stephanie Davies Design
Love Is A Four Legged Word from English Graphics
Pure Fabrication from Counting Stars
Strawberry Fizz from Ling Design
Embroidery - style 416 from The Proper Mail Company

More Glitter!!! from Counting Stars won Best Contemporary Words or Sentiments Range

Blue Eyed Sun were honoured to appear in the Top Thirty List of Best Customer Service for retailers and to be finalists in the Best Spring Seasons Category.

The Henries Awards winners 2018 were revealed at a glamorous Eighties themed Henries Ball presented by Pat Sharp on Thursday 4th October at the Lancaster London Hotel, overlooking HydePark.

Over 15,000 cards were entered into this year’s Henries and these were judged by an impressive Judging Panel, made up of top retailers (including buyers from John Lewis, WHSmith, Tesco, Paperchase, Scribbler, National Trust, House of Cards, Waterstones, Funky Pigeon as well as many leading independents). Congratulations to all of the Henries Awards winners and everyone who made it through to the finals.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens from Hallmark won Best Licensed Card Range

Finalists

Disney Originals from UK Greetings

Happy Jackson from Pigment

Off The Leash from Cardmix

PAW Patrol from Danilo

Quentin Blake from Woodmansterne

Neon Revolution from Glick Best Giftwrappings Collection

Finalists

Birds of Paradise from Artebene

Cornflower Giftbags from Cinnamon Aitch

Platinum Male Collection from Belly Button Bubble

Sara Miller London from Penny Kennedy

Summer Tropical from Deva Designs

Rainbow from Ling Design won The Henry Cole Classic Award

Finalists

Bottomline from Paperlink

Drama Queen from Cardmix

Edward Monkton from Really Good

Pizazz from Nigel Quiney Publications

Best Service To The Independent Retailer

Winners 2016

International Cards and Gifts (IC&G) - Gold Award

Noel Tatt - Silver Award

UK Greetings - Bronze Award

Finalists

Abacus Cards

Cherry Orchard

Jonny Javelin

Nigel Quiney

Paperlink

Pigment

Second Nature

Woodmansterne

Words n Wishes

The Henries Awards winners 2016 were revealed at a glamorous Bollywood themed Henries Ball on Thursday 6th October at the Lancaster London Hotel, overlooking HydePark.

Over 15,000 cards were entered into this year’s Henries and these were judged by an impressive Judging Panel, made up of top retailers (including buyers from John Lewis, WHSmith, Tesco, Paperchase, Scribbler, National Trust, House of Cards, Waterstones, Funky Pigeon as well as many leading independents). Congratulations to all of the Henries Awards winners and everyone who made it through to the finals.

Scrabbley Neons from Bexy Boo won Best Handmade or Hand-finished Range

Finalists 2015

Form from The Art File

Krafty Captions from Tache Crafts

Little Bigs from Cockadoodle Design

Neon Jewels from Janie Wilson

Spring Collection from Apple Tree Gifts

Mad Dots Wedding from Hearts Designs won Best Traditional Words or Sentiments Range

Finalists 2015

Everlasting from The Handcrafted Card Co

Memories from Words-n-Wishes

Quotelets from Clavis & Claustra

Sentiments from Wishing Well Studios

Sweet Pea from Bonnie Blackbird

Alice Scott from Pigment won Best Contemporary Words or Sentiments Range

Finalists 2015

Little Voice from UK Greetings

Life Is Sweet from Icon

Paul Gaudhi from Ohh Deer

Pink & Ink from Stop The Clock Designs

Words Of Wisdom from Dandelion Stationery

Platinum from Belly Button Designs won Best Male Range

Finalists 2015

Best Foot Forward from Studio Seed

Favourite Things from Laura Sherratt Designs

The Gentleman’s Range from The Typecast Gallery

Philip Pittman Design from NWH Greetings

So Macho from Hotchpotch Publishing

Dungarees from Paper Salad won Best Children's Range

Finalists 2015

Animal Transport from The Square Card Company

Happy Jackson from Pigment

John Bond from Ohh Deer

Marine World from Stripey Cats Cards

Zoo Buddies from Rocket 68

Keepsake Treasures from Xpress Yourself won Best Wholesale Range

Finalists 2015

Isabel’s Garden from Simon Elvin

Favourites from Gemma

Male Everyday from BGC Studios

Savio Code 90 Squares from BGC Studios

Sweet Petite from Hallmark

Paloma from Belly Button Designs won Best Occasions or Relations Range

Finalists 2015

Belle Fleur from Saffron Cards

Dixie from Think Of Me

Du Jour from Noel Tatt Group

Postco from Lagom Design

Wooden Wishes from Bexy Boo

Form Christmas Box from The Art File won Best Christmas Box or Pack

Finalists 2015

Luxury Box from Ling Design

Mistletoe Magic from Paper Salad

Ombre Christmas Box from Five Dollar Shake

Paloma from Belly Button Designs

Pom Tiddley Pom Pom Pack from Saffron Cards

Ombre Christmas from Five Dollar Shake won Best Christmas Counter Cards Range

Finalists 2015

Christmas Landscapes from Bug Art

Gold from Woodmansterne

Happy Jackson from Pigment

Snowflakes & Sparkle from Think Of Me

Xmas Doodles from Rosie Made A Thing

Beautiful from Ling Design won Best Photographic Range

Finalists 2015

Exposure Colour from Icon

Funny Animals from Ezen Designs

Love Unlimited from Pigment

Shawn St Peter from The Great British Card Company

Zoo Portraits from Lagom Design

Despicable Me from Danilo won Best Licensed Card Range

Finalists 2015

Disney Frozen from UKG

Harold’s Planet from Clare Maddicott

Laura Meare from Hallmark

MODA from The Great British Card Company

Quentin Blake from Woodmansterne

Paper Salad from Glick win Best Giftwrappings Collection

Finalists 2015

Alice Scott from Penny Kennedy

Finest Christmas from Artebene

Jessica Hogarth from Deva Designs

Perfect Day from UK Greetings

Toasted from Urban Graphic

Giggles from UK Greetings won The Henry Cole Classic Award

Finalists 2015

Marzipan from Paper Rose

More Than Words from Talking Pictures

Photocaptions from Cath Tate Cards

Pizazz from Nigel Quiney

Rainbow Cards from Ling Design

Best Service To The Independent Retailer - Gold won by UK Greetings

Silver went to International Cards and Gifts (IC&G)

Bronze went to Noel Tatt

Finalists 2015 (in alphabetical order)

Hallmark Cards

Jonny Javelin

Ling Design

Nigel Quiney Publications

Paperlink

Pigment

Second Nature

Woodmansterne

Words 'n' Wishes

The Henries Awards winners 2015 were revealed at a glamorous 1920's themed Henries Ball on Thursday 8th October at the Lancaster London Hotel, overlooking HydePark. Compere for the evening was comedian Mark Watson.

Over 15,000 cards were entered into this year’s Henries and these were judged by an impressive Judging Panel, made up of top retailers (including buyers from John Lewis, WHSmith, Tesco, Paperchase, Scribbler, National Trust, House of Cards, Waterstones, Funky Pigeon as well as many leading independents). Congratulations to all of the Henries Awards winners and everyone who made it through to the finals.

The Henries Awards winners 2014 were revealed at a spectacular Highlands themed Henries Ball on Thursday 10 October at the Lancaster London Hotel, overlooking HydePark. Compere for the evening was comedian Alun Cochrane.

Over 14,000 cards were entered into this year’s Henries and these were judged by an impressive Judging Panel, made up of 40 top retailers (including buyers from John Lewis, WHSmith, Tesco, Paperchase, Scribbler, Card Bar, Joy, Asda, Squires Garden Centres, Waterstones, Funky Pigeon as well as many leading independents). Congratulations to all of the Henries Awards winners and everyone who made it through to the finals.

We are delighted to announce that Blue Eyed Sun have reached the finals of The Henries Awards 2014 in two categories: with Picnic Time Mother's Day for the Best Spring Seasons Category and Allotment in the best Occasions Category.

I am also very pleased to see so many shortlisted from the Ladder Club group of new publishers.

Over 15,000 cards were entered into the Henries this year and these were judged by an impressive Judging Panel, made up of 40 top retailers (including buyers from John Lewis, WHSmith, Tesco, Paperchase, Scribbler, Card Bar, Joy, Asda, Squires Garden Centres, Waterstones, Funky Pigeon as well as many leading independents). We are very proud to have made it through to the finals. Below is alist of everyone who has been short listed for the Henries Awards 2014

Glitter Robin & Santa Boxes from Ling Design
Paloma from Belly Button Designs
Paper House (Tin) from The Great British Card Company
Quentin Blake from Woodmansterne
The Royal Academy from ArtPress Publishing

Best Christmas Counter Cards Range - Finalists 2014:

Christmas from Sally Scaffardi

Christmas Range from Fracas Studio
Christmas Pizazz from Nigel Quiney Publications
Footprints In The Snow from Wrendale Designs
Snowfall Forest from Five Dollar Shake
Words Of Wisdom from Dandelion Stationery

Best Photographic Range - Finalists 2014:

1000 Words from Urban Graphic

Life Is Sweet from Icon
Loose Leashes from Woodmansterne
National Geographic from Medici Cards (GBCC)
Robin Stemp from Green Pebble
Take A View from Camden Graphics (UKG)

Brighton based greeting card publisher, Blue Eyed Sun, won their first ever Henries award at the 2013 ceremony which took place in the glittering surroundings of the prestigious Lancaster Hotel on Thursday 10th October.

Blue Eyed Sun have been finalists nine times and owner, Jeremy Corner, was delighted to accept the Henries Award for Best Cute range, beating industry heavyweights Carte Blanche Greetings famous Me To You (Tatty Teddy) cards who were also finalists. Blue Eyed Sun's winning handmade card range, Gorgeous, is an industry favourite amongst retailers.

The Henries Awards are the Oscars of the greeting card industry and celebrate the creativity in the thriving UK card market which leads the world and is worth over £1.6 billion.

Over 14,000 greeting cards were entered into The Henries year, judged by a panel of 40 prestigious retailers, including buyers from John Lewis, Paperchase, Clintons, Tesco, Waterstones and a host of leading independents.

It's been quite a year for Brighton based Blue Eyed Sun. Jeremy Corner was runner up for Managing Director of the Year at the Brighton & Hove Business Awards, where Blue Eyed Sun were Highly Commended in the Business Beyond the City category for their successful international expansion into eight countries this year. The company's designs were short listed for Gift of the Year with their licensing partner Widdop Bingham and their Gorgeous Christmas range made the finals for the Best Christmas Counter Henries Award.

The Henries Awards 2013 Winners have been announced. Here is a complete list of the Henries winners and runners up for this year.

A very special congratulations to Matt and Beth Genower from Five Dollar Shake who won the Honourary Achievement Award and also to Warren Lomax and Jakki Brown from Max Publishing who were surprised with a Special Award for Contribution to the Card Industry which was organised by Stephen Haines from Carte Blanche Greetings.

We were delighted to announce that Blue Eyed Sun reached the finals of The Henries 2013 in two categories: with Gorgeous Christmas for the Best Christmas Counter Range and with Gorgeous Everyday in the best Cute Range which we won.

The Henries Awards Winners for 2013 are:

Helen John of Hotchpotch won Most Promising Young Designer or Artist 2013

Claire Louise Hill of Claire Louise

Jessica Hogarth of Jessica Hogarth Designs

Cameron Pitcairn of Urban Twist

Jo Rose of Deer Little Forest

Anna Wise of Rachel Ellen Designs

Wobbly Eyed from Stripey Cat Cards Won Best Children’s Range

Belle & Boo Playtime from Nineteen Seventy Three

Glitter Ball from Five Dollar Shake

Hug Cards from Pango Productions

Jellybomb from Urban Graphic

World of Fairies from GBCC

Starlight and Snowfall from Five Dollar Shake won Best Christmas Counter Range

Second Nature Pop Ups from Second Nature won The Henry Cole Classic Award

(This award is for ranges that have stood the test of time. The winner will join the Henry Cole Classic Hall of Fame with the previous winners which are Bestie from Paperlink, Eric the Penguin from GBCC, Forever Friends from Hallmark, On The Ceiling from Emotional Rescue, Me to You from CBG, Medici Cards Blue Label from GBCC)

Quicksilver from Wendy Jones-Blackett

Ribticklers from Pigment

Spring Chicken from Peartree Heybridge

The Funny Side Of Life from Rainbow (Ling Design)

Woodmansterne Fine Art from Woodmansterne Publications

Best Service To The Independent Retailer Award

UK Greetings won Gold

Noel Tatt won Silver

Nigel Quiney won Bronze

Abacus Cards

Carte Blanche Greetings Group

Hallmark

International Cards and Gifts

Jonny Javelin

Paperlink

Second Nature

The Great British Card Company

Woodmansterne Publications

The winners of all the Henries Awards for 2013 were revealed by comedian Tom Stade and the Henries sponsors at a spectacular Calypso Carnival-themed Henries Ball on Thursday 10 October at the Lancaster London Hotel, overlooking HydePark.

Over 14,000 cards were entered into this year’s Henries and these were judged by an impressive Judging Panel, made up of 40 top retailers (including buyers fromJohn Lewis, WHSmith, Tesco, Paperchase, Scribbler, Card Bar, Joy, Asda, Squires Garden Centres, Waterstones, Funky Pigeon as well as many leading independents). Congratulations to all of the winners and everyone who made it through to the finals.

In my younger and more impressionable years my wife gave me some award winning advice that I have been grateful for ever since. Having always set myself goals for the business and personal achievements, Jo noticed that I had listed ‘winning an award with Blue Eyed Sun’ as one of my objectives. She wisely pointed out that this was not a goal that was within my control and, as such, was likely to cause me problems.

It’s an easy mistake to make. As an athletics fan, I had watched the Olympics since I was a boy. I loved sharing the thrill of athletes winning medals and realising their dreams after all of their hard work. I was also a film fanatic, keeping tabs on the Oscars, the Golden Globes and the Palme d’Or and dreaming of film making glory.

Over the years I merged these two ‘award winning’ ideas in my mind as I dreamt of the trophies I too would hopefully one day win. I was never going to be a world class athlete but, as many of us are prone to do, I always hoped I’d go on to create something special with my life and an award would most certainly be evidence of this 'specialness'.

Perhaps you can already sense the danger with this line of thinking. In fact, these problems would be worse still if, as I was known to do at the time, one made the mistake of linking one’s self worth to achieving such goals.

The truth is, not even world class athletes like Usain Bolt get drawn down this slippery slope. When interviewed by reporters, nearly all of them will rightly focus on doing their best. For that is all they have the power to control in their race. If your opponent is stronger, or is more naturally talented and has trained harder then you, then it is possible you may not win. The only thing any athlete can do is to leave the very best of themselves out on the track.

What’s more important to realise is that in our business we are not athletes and we are not in a race. The awards we may be nominated for are not medals. If you have ever been a finalist at one of our greeting card industry awards for retailers or publishers (like the Retas, the Greats or the Henries) it is easy to lose sight of this.

We recently made the final short list of the Henries for the eighth and ninth times and we have still yet to win (It may have been more if we hadn’t taken a hiatus of not entering for three or four years). I have a running joke with friends that Blue Eyed Sun are like the Alfred Hitchcock of the card industry. Hitch, famously having never won an Academy award.

Woody Allen, who won 4 Oscars and was never been present to collect them (choosing instead to play in his jazz band), has these wise words to say on our type of awards:

“I think what you get in awards is favouritism, I mean people can say ‘oh my favourite movie was Annie Hall.’ But the implication is that it’s the best movie and I don’t think that’s possible. I don’t think you can make that judgement. Except for track, track and field, you know where one guy runs and you see that he wins. Then it’s ok. I won those when I was younger and those where nice, because I knew I deserved them.”

I think the only thing we can share with athletes (and great film makers for that matter) is to give our best every day. To step up and be accountable. Which means focussing on your own performance and what is most important to you (that’s within your control). For us it’s making gorgeous handmade cards, for you it may be having a great shop or running your business well.

So why enter awards at all? Because it’s fun, it pushes you out of your comfort zone and a nomination or win is always good for marketing and PR. These days the main reason I enter the Henries is to get our products in front of the great line up of industry buyers who judge them. That’s within in my control.

Good luck to all of the finalists in this year’s Henries. See you there. I’m taking the night off from my jazz band... just in case ;-)

We are delighted to announce that Blue Eyed Sun have reached the finals of The Henries 2013 in two categories: with Gorgeous Christmas for the Best Christmas Counter Range and with Gorgeous Everyday in the best Cute Range.

Over 14,000 cards were entered into the Henries this year and these were judged by an impressive Judging Panel, made up of 40 top retailers (including buyers fromJohn Lewis, WHSmith, Tesco, Paperchase, Scribbler, Card Bar, Joy, Asda, Squires Garden Centres, Waterstones, Funky Pigeon as well as many leading independents). We are very proud to have made it through to the finals.

Plus, following a poll involving 1,500 independent greeting card retail stockists, Blue Eyed Sun were 18th for Best Service to the Independent Retailer ahead of competitors like Five Dollar Shake and Bellybutton Designs.

(This award is for ranges that have stood the test of time. The winner will join the Henry Cole Classic Hall of Fame with the previous winners which are Bestie from Paperlink, Eric the Penguin from GBCC, Forever Friends from Hallmark, On The Ceiling from Emotional Rescue, Me to You from CBG, Medici Cards Blue Label from GBCC)

Quicksilver from Wendy Jones-Blackett

Ribticklers from Pigment

Second Nature Pop Ups from Second Nature

Spring Chicken from Peartree Heybridge

The Funny Side Of Life from Rainbow (Ling Design)

Woodmansterne Fine Art from Woodmansterne Publications

Best Service To The Independent Retailer Award

Abacus Cards

Carte Blanche Greetings Group

Hallmark

International Cards and Gifts

Jonny Javelin

Nigel Quiney

Noel Tatt

Paperlink

Second Nature

The Great British Card Company

UK Greetings

Woodmansterne Publications

The winners of all the Henries award categories will be revealed at a spectacular Calypso Carnival-themed Henries Ball on Thursday 10 October at the Lancaster London Hotel, overlooking HydePark.

The Henries judging took place this week with the panel including buyers from John Lewis, Paperchase, Scribbler, WH Smith, Clintons, Tesco and other top card retailers. The finalists of these greeting cards Oscars were chosen from over 14,000 entries and the winners of the 2012 Henries Awards for the best greeting card publishers in the UK will be announced on Thursday 4th October at the Lancaster Hotel in London.

We are thrilled to be nominated for two Henries Awards this year in the best Handmade and the best Spring Seasons categories.

Here's a full list of the 2012 Henries Awards Finalists

(Shown in alphabetical order by range/product name or, in the case of the Most Promising Designer or Artist award, in alphabetical order by surname)